Petaling Jaya, 10 September 2025⁠ – WWF-Malaysia congratulates the Government of Malaysia for signing the landmark High Seas Treaty, officially known as the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction. This is a crucial step for Malaysia, signalling our nation’s commitment to safeguarding the ocean and strengthening our role on the global stage in advancing ocean biodiversity conservation.

Malaysia’s signing is especially important as high sea activities can directly affect our own waters — from migratory species that cross borders to the marine life that sustains our coastal communities. By requiring Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), the treaty ensures stronger safeguards for marine ecosystems, which are vital for food security and the health of our ocean.

The treaty also introduces fair sharing of benefits from marine genetic resources (MGRs), which have potential applications in medicine, biotechnology, and agriculture. Under the High Seas Treaty, both financial benefits (such as royalties) and non-financial benefits (such as knowledge, technology, and training) will be shared more equitably. This ensures that innovation benefits everyone, supports sustainable development, and creates more opportunities for collaboration worldwide.

Looking ahead, Malaysia is well-placed to build on this momentum by adopting a National Ocean Policy (NOP) to advance integrated ocean governance. Situated within the Coral Triangle that is surrounded by rich marine resources, Malaysia would benefit from a comprehensive NOP that encapsulates existing efforts under one framework. “This would provide a unified national approach in sustainable management of our ocean’s resources, and in line with Malaysia’s international commitments.” says Chitra Devi G, WWF-Malaysia's Marine Programme Leader.

As the world shares one ocean, WWF-Malaysia commends the Government of Malaysia and NGO partners for their efforts to ensure Malaysia plays a key role in securing its future. As we move toward the 20 September signing deadline, we hope more nations will join so the High Seas Treaty can enter into force and help secure a healthier, more sustainable ocean for all.

Photo 1: A coral reef in Semporna, Sabah, brimming with life. (c) Eric Madeja / WWF-Malaysia

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About WWF-Malaysia
Established in 1972, WWF-Malaysia is part of WWF, the international conservation organisation. Working to sustain the natural world for the benefit of people and wildlife, WWF-Malaysia’s efforts to conserve nature focus on six major goals - forests, oceans, wildlife, food, climate and energy, as well as freshwater – and three key drivers of environmental problems – markets, finance and governance. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the earth’s natural environment and to build a future in which3
humans live in harmony with nature.

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